Did you know that in 1984 President Reagan proclaimed the Friday before Mother's Day of each year to be Military Spouse Appreciation Day?   The purpose of this special day is to thank military spouses for the support they give to their family and other military families, to honor their contributions to the communities where they live and to acknowledge the sacrifices they make every day in support of their military member and our country.

Since the day doesn't have a rack of Hallmark cards it may be overlooked by many of you as a day to honor the sacrifices that military spouses make taking care of home and family while their loved ones are deployed overseas.  One of my client's sent an email to a popular DC radio station (http://www.mix1073fm.com/) letting them know about the date and now they are inviting military spouses to their Free for all Friday this week for some well deserved fun and gifts. 

If you know a family where the spouse is deployed this would be a great weekend to lend a hand and volunteer to do a simple everyday task.  How about offering to mow the lawn, trim the bushes or wash the car.  You wouldn't believe how much the simple helping hands are appreciated.   If you live in an area with a military base nearby think about taking a moment to say "thank-you" to the military families that you know on Friday. 

Remember that there are thousands of men and women who sacrifice for our country without ever being deployed. They are watching their children, moving at a moments notice, and supporting a spouse in harms way without asking for much in return and they deserve our thanks for what they do.